Experts problem chicken flu warning because it might turn out to be deadlier in winter due to deadly combine
Bird flu is on the rise – and scientists have warned it could become much more dangerous when mixed with winter bugs.
The virus, which is mainly found in birds and other animals such as foxes, poultry and cows, has seen an outbreak. While most reports have found it in parts of the US, there are worries it will carry over to the UK.
Since April 2024, there have been 36 human cases of the H5N1 bird flu across several states. The infected are thought to have worked closely with cows and poultry, with farmers being most affected.
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This particular strain of the virus had a boom in April, with symptoms at first being mild. Sufferers reported having red, itchy eyes and a cough. However, there are now warning signs this could get a lot worse.
(Image: Getty Images)
Between the virus’ discovery in 1997 and June 2024, more than 900 people caught the infection. Half of those people died as a result.
Francesco Branda, an epidemiologist at the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, spoke to Live Science and compared the virus to other parts of the world. Cases in places such as Egypt and Cambodia appeared more severe, but scientists are not entirely sure why.
Some claim it could be down to genetic differences, but there is no firm conclusion. Branda also warned it could get worse for us, as “influenza viruses are known for their ability to mutate rapidly, so this may change with time.”
(Image: Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
If a person has multiple strains of influenza at the same time, they can mix and match segments of their DNA. This creates a new strain, and with flu season upon us, could cause a huge risk.
The severe swine flu outbreak in 2009 was due to this phenomenon.
If a farm worker were to contract this strain of flu and had the average seasonal flu at the same time, the same process could occur. This could potentially cause a new strain which would go on to infect others in a serious way.
Scientists also warn this could lead to something more severe.
Branda added that is could cause “the emergence of a new, highly virulent strain, potentially resulting in an outbreak or pandemic.”
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